Air India Express’ Kolkata-Dhaka direct flight expansion plan postponed

Newdelhi New Delhi: Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, is set to undertake a major expansion to increase its fleet and launch new routes amid rising passenger demand. However, the airline has shelved its plan to launch direct flights between Kolkata and Dhaka due to the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh. “You may recall that we had announced our operational plan for Dhaka, which is a new and important market for us. But due to the situation there, we have shelved those plans,” Air India Managing Director Alok Singh was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. “As soon as the conditions are right, we will resume those plans,” he added. The airline had originally scheduled to launch its Dhaka services in September with six weekly flights. However, despite the delay, Singh stressed that the airline is dedicated to strengthening its presence in the eastern region.

Air India Express Expansion Plans

Air India Express aims to increase its fleet from 90 to over 100 aircraft by March 2025. Over the next three years, the fleet is expected to grow to around 175 aircraft. As part of the larger Air India Group, the airline is also contributing to the group’s ambitious plan to acquire 470 aircraft in the coming years. The airline plans to expand its fleet from the current 90 to over 100 aircraft by March 2025. Over the next three years, the airline aims to grow its fleet to around 175 aircraft. This is part of the Air India Group’s broader goal of acquiring a total of 470 aircraft in the coming years. Air India Express operates over 400 flights daily, serving 36 domestic and 15 international destinations. Its fleet consists of 90 aircraft, including 61 Boeing 737s and 29 Airbus A320s. The airline has a market share of 12 per cent in Kolkata, which together with its parent company Air India, rises to 24 per cent.